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Students Suspended From Schools After Threats

Last updated on Thursday, December 20, 2012

(BLOOMINGTON) - A Bloomington South High School student has been suspended over shooting threat. He is accused of making a comment to another student that he would “break the record,” making reference to the 26 people killed in a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

The student told another student he had a gun in his locker and the shooting was going to take place Friday.

Bloomington Police Captain Joe Qualters says officials were unable to find a weapon in the student's locker or backpack.

Qualters says the student claimed he was "excited" when he heard about the Connecticut shooting and that he felt "powerful" when he had a gun in his hand.

Police confiscated guns and ammunition from the student's home Police are keeping the weapons in their possession during the investigation.

The student has been suspended indefinitely, according to South Principal Mark Fletcher, while the police continue to investigate.

In an unrelated incident, a Batchelor Middle School student was also suspended this week, after admitting to bringing a BB gun to school.

According to a letter sent to parents from Principal Eric Gilpin, the school received a call Monday stating a student had brought a gun onto school grounds.

According to Superintendent Judy DeMuth the call was made by a parent who had heard talk about the incident. Staff investigated and determined the student did not have a gun but admitted to bringing a BB gun to school the previous week.

DeMuth says the sheriff's department was notified, and the school "dealt with the student in accordance with MCCSC School Board Policy and state law."

DeMuth confirmed the student was suspended pending an investigation.

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